1968 DB6 Volante heads to auction in Paris

Last of the original DBs set for €750,000 sale

It might have been the DB5 that found fame through its 007 association, but its successor – the last Aston model produced under David Brown’s ownership of the marque – was the ultimate iteration of the DB line.

In drop-top guise, the DB6 was longer in the rear than its coupé contemporaries, but nevertheless maintained that symbolic Aston front end and performance, not to mention the ubiquitous interior luxury.

Just 140 Volantes ever left the factory – making this one, heading to auction in Paris with Artcurial this weekend, a rare classic indeed. Want the low-down? It’s all here.

Familiar face

First launched at the 1965 London Motor Show, the DB6 replaced the iconic DB5 as Aston Martin’s flagship grand tourer.

Its styling was more evolution than revolution – though given how good the DB4 and DB5 had looked before it, that was no bad thing.

Refined at the rear

One key difference over the DB5 was the addition of a new, squared-off Kamm-style rear end that delivered better aero performance.

Paired with a higher roof line, that refinement also achieved more usable space in the back – making the DB6 that bit more practical than its predecessor.

Capable cruiser

Not popular with Aston Martin traditionalists, the DB6 was nevertheless a consummate British tourer.

Its 4-litre engine was capable of delivering 282bhp, while that added space, combined with enhanced cruising stability and adjustable ride control, meant the DB6 was an excellent choice for consuming motorway miles.

Wind in your hair

What better, then, than to lop off the top and create a convertible version? The DB6 Volante was introduced in 1966 – again at the London Motor Show – to replace the shorter DB5-based Volante, and it added even more space at the rear to further enhance its touring credentials.

Mysterious youth

Just 140 Volantes were built using the DB6 platform – of which this stunning example is one.

Finished in 1968, the facts of its early years remain murky, though it’s known that it left the factory equipped with a Borg-Warner automatic transmission, power steering and a Motorola radio.

Scandinavian days

Come 1983, it fell into the hands of a London garage, before being sold on twice in 1984 – eventually coming into the ownership of the grandfather of the current custodian.

It remained in Sweden for the following 35 years, being regularly maintained in Gothenburg and, later, Stockholm.

Fresh lick

After a period spent coated in metallic grey, this DB6 underwent a careful repaint in the early ‘00s to return it to its classic and correct shade of Mink.

In fact, the car’s current finish is one of the very few aspects that isn’t original to what is otherwise a highly authentic Aston Martin.

Still sumptuous

Electronic roof up or down, its thorough maintenance over the years has ensured that the interior of this DB6 remains a testament to Aston Martin’s luxury production approach.

From the leather to the carpets, this highly original four-seat Volante goes to auction in outstanding condition.

No chips off the block

It’s a similar story under the hood, with a well-conserved engine bay harbouring a matching-numbers motor – complete with that desirable automatic gearbox and, rarer still, power steering. In fact, that combination probably makes this Volante one of fewer than 10 so specified.

Rare and refined

It might not be as powerful nor quite as rare as the Volante Vantage version (of which just 29 were produced) but this 1968 drop-top Aston Martin remains very much a lesser-spotted motor – and you’ll scarcely find one in as stellar condition as this.

Complete package

Comfortably capable of carrying four passengers to speeds in excess of 140mph, the DB6 was arguably one of the best mid-century British tourers – balancing performance, style and comfort to stunning effect.

James Bond it wasn’t, but the DB6 was the car to be seen in – just ask Prince Charles.

Heady price tag

Heading to auction with Artcurial in Paris on Sunday (8 April), this fantastic DB6 cabriolet is expected to fetch upwards of €550,000 (£480,000) when bidding commences – and the upper estimate places the value closer to a tasty €800,000 (£700,000), on account of its rarity, condition and enduring practicality.

Oh, and you get a tool kit, too.